How is a questioned document defined?

A questioned document is defined as one where authenticity is in doubt. This definition is central to forensic document examination, which aims to determine the legitimacy of a document, whether it is handwritten, typed, or created digitally. The key aspect of a questioned document is that its true origin or purpose is called into question, prompting an investigation to verify its authenticity. This could involve examining handwriting, ink types, paper qualities, or digital metadata to ascertain whether the document matches known examples or conforms to expected standards.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately capture the essence of what constitutes a questioned document. A document with confirmed authenticity is not questioned at all, while a document that is handwritten only would exclude printed or digital documents that can also be questioned. Lastly, a digital file without a hard copy is not inherently a questioned document; a digital file can be perfectly valid and authentic, or it can be questioned depending on the circumstances surrounding its creation and use.